928-237-9064
Google+
LinkedIn
YouTube
Yelp

Dental Bridges

Home Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges in Prescott Valley, AZ

Regain Your Confident Smile Through Dental Bridge Treatment

The loss of a tooth can significantly impact both how your smile looks and how well it functions. Dental bridges offer a proven, reliable solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. Take action now to prevent further deterioration of your oral health — restore your missing tooth or teeth with professional care at Larson Dental.

Reach out to our Prescott Valley, AZ dental practice today at (928) 237-9064. We’ll arrange your consultation promptly to help you restore optimal oral health.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices that are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth that are supported by the surrounding teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal.

Different Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, including:

  • Traditional Dental Bridge: This is the most common type of dental bridge. A traditional dental bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored to adjacent teeth using dental crowns.
  • Cantilever Dental Bridge: This type of bridge is used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available to support the artificial tooth.
  • Maryland Dental Bridge: This type of bridge is made of a metal or porcelain framework that’s bonded to the back of supporting teeth. Maryland bridges are typically used to replace front teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Bridge: This type of bridge is supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges are a more durable and long-lasting option and a more costly one.

Dental Bridge Benefits

When replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge, patients may experience the following benefits:

  • Restored smile
  • Improved functionality 
  • Maintains facial structure
  • Prevents further dental complications
  • Long-lasting restoration
  • Affordable solution
  • Boost in confidence
  • Minimally-invasive procedure
  • Provides support for remaining teeth

To schedule your dental bridge consultation, contact Dr. Larson at Larson Dental by calling our office today.

Dental Bridge Procedure

The dental bridge procedure involves preparing the adjacent teeth, called abutments, by reshaping them to support the bridge. A custom-made bridge, consisting of the replacement tooth or teeth (called pontics) and crowns for the abutment teeth, is then placed over the prepared teeth with dental cement, restoring function and aesthetics. The bridge is cemented in place, providing a fixed solution for missing teeth. After getting a dental bridge, proper care ensures its longevity, so make sure to schedule regular dental check-ups and keep a consistent oral hygiene routine at home.

Dental Bridge Costs

While dental bridge costs will vary based on several factors, you can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000. Factors that will influence the total cost include:

  • Geographical location
  • Materials used
  • The type of dental bridge (cantilever bridge, implant-supported bridge, traditional fixed bridge, Maryland dental bridge) needed
  • Number of teeth that need to be replaced
  • Dentist’s expertise and experience
  • Dental insurance plan
  • Additional procedures

Can You Get a Dental Bridge?

Being a candidate for a dental bridge depends on several factors. Our dentist will consider the following before recommending a dental bridge procedure:

  • Location of Missing Teeth: A dental bridge requires healthy, existing teeth on either side of the gap to serve as support for the dental bridge. If there aren’t stable teeth on either side, a bridge may not be an option.
  • The health of Adjacent Teeth: The supporting teeth need to be strong enough to support the bridge. This means they should be free of decay and gum disease, and should have good bone support. If the adjacent teeth are compromised, they might not be suitable as abutments, or they might require treatment first.
  • Number of Missing Teeth: Traditional bridges are generally suitable for replacing one to three adjacent missing teeth. If you have more missing teeth, or they’re spread out, other options like partial dentures or dental implants might be more appropriate.
  • Oral Hygiene: Patients should have good oral hygiene habits or be willing to improve them. A bridge requires meticulous cleaning around and under the false tooth/teeth.
  • Gum Health: Patients with untreated gum disease might not be good candidates for a dental bridge until the gum issues are addressed.
  • Occlusion (Bite) Considerations: The way the upper and lower teeth come together (the bite) can influence the success of a bridge. If there are significant bite issues, they might need to be addressed either before or in conjunction with a bridge placement.
  • Bone Loss: If a tooth has been missing for a long time, there can be significant bone loss in that area. While this doesn’t necessarily preclude someone from getting a bridge, it might make other options like implants more challenging without additional procedures like bone grafting.

If a dental bridge isn’t right for you, our Prescott Valley, AZ dentist may recommend other alternatives, such as dental implants or dentures.